Boost Your Muscle Gains With Creatine

April 14 2014

Boost Your Muscle Gains With Creatine

If you’ve spent any time researching muscle-building supplements, you’ve probably come across products containing creatine. There are powders, supplements, shakes and even snack bars containing this ingredient. Bodybuilders and athletes swear by this stuff, leaving many people to believe that it’s the real deal. But what exactly is creatine? And does it really promote muscle growth?

Creatine: The Basics

You might be surprised to learn that creatine is produced naturally by the liver. It’s a nitrogenous organic acid that’s made of three primary amino acids: L-arginine, glycine, and L-methionine. Once created by the liver, it’s pumped throughout the circulatory system where it ends up in muscles, organs and even the brain.

Of course, creatine is also found in various foods. Scientists extract creatine from these foods to use in supplements and muscle-growth products.

Creatine and Energy Levels

One of the greatest benefits of creatine is its ability to boost the body’s energy levels. When you’re feeling tired and exhausted after performing a set or reps at your local gym, you might feel like calling it a day; however, incorporating a creatine supplement into your routine may give your body just enough energy to perform an additional set of reps.

With more energy pumping through your body, you’ll have the natural drive to push yourself further in your workouts. And most people are fully aware that harder workouts translate into more muscle growth.

Creatine and Strength

There’s also a direct link between creatine and strength. If you perform high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts on a regular basis, you should take a creatine supplement to boost your strength. Numerous studies have shown a correlation between creatine and strength. People who take creatine supplements on a regular basis are generally able to lift a greater amount of weight — and for more reps — than people who do not take creatine supplements.

Creatine and Muscle Growth

One of the side effects of taking creatine is muscle growth. This naturally occurring element encourages fibrous muscle tissue to hold water. By holding water, muscle fibers are able to repair themselves faster and more easily than before; thus, encouraging greater muscle growth and reduced recovery times.

Creatine isn’t some magic supplement that’s going to grow your muscles without any additional work. If you want to gain the full benefits of this supplement, you must exercise and eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet.

Be sure to check out MuscleIntensity.com for all of your creatine supplement needs.